Stage set at Stirling Castle for a unique performance of Tam O Shanter

Media Releases

The historic setting of Stirling Castle’s splendid Great Hall will provide a dramatic stage for the premiere, on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th October, of a unique performance of Tam O Shanter. The new production is the result of the collaboration of three of Scotland’s National Youth performing arts companies – YDance, Scottish Youth Theatre and the Youth Pipe Band of Scotland. To celebrate Scotland’s Year of Homecoming, the three have, for the first time, come together in a creative project inspired by Robert Burns’ epic poem, Tam O Shanter. Written over two centuries ago, Tam O Shanter remains a powerful tale, with themes which still have relevance through its explorations of the influences of good and evil, and alcohol and sexual attraction.

There’s a treat in store at Stirling Castle next week for fans of the hit BBC TV series A History of Scotland. The presenter, popular Scottish historian and archaeologist Neil Oliver, will be hosting a unique event to introduce his new book - also entitled A History of Scotland - and talk about the making of the successful series which caught the imagination of millions of viewers by recounting the dramatic stories of our nation’s rich past. Historic Scotland, who worked with the BBC on the series in order to feature many of their properties in care, are providing an appropriate venue for the event. Stirling Castle’s stunning Great Hall is the venue at 7pm on Tuesday, 20th October for the joint Historic Scotland and Waterstone’s event at which Neil will talk about his new publication and the making of the authoritative TV series. The beautifully illustrated book uses the latest historical research and places Scotland’s story in the wider context of British, European and global history. Signed copies will be available for purchase during the evening.

A team of experts will be visiting sites in Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde to assess monuments of national importance. The team from Historic Scotland is responsible for identifying the most important archaeological sites and monuments in Scotland. Dr Sally Foster, Head of the Scheduling Team, said: “We are all very much looking forward to visiting these sites and meeting the owners in the coming weeks. We have identified about 120 out of the known 5000 or so sites in the area that we would particularly like to visit, ranging from early prehistoric monuments through to military remains from the Second World War. Our aim is to improve the record of existing scheduled monuments as well as identifying the important monuments that still merit legal protection."

Outside the great gates of Doune Castle once stood a tree where wrongdoers were reputed to have been hanged. Historic Scotland has been anonymously gifted a copy of a Victorian guidebook with covers made from carefully cut, polished and varnished pieces of oak. Inscribed on the front are the words ‘Made from the Wood of the Old Gallows Tree at Doune Castle’. The text explains that the tree had finally blown down in November 1878. Such was its notorious appeal that parts were cut up and used for furniture – several pieces are still at the castle for visitors to see – while others became guidebook covers, adding a whiff of sulphur for the owners.

More training opportunities in masonry conservation are to be offered in Scotland thanks to additional funding announced by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). In addition to the 14 year long and 50 short term training opportunities that will be available through the bursary programme, Historic Scotland is also providing training grants in other conservation skills of up to Â£2,000. Culture Minister Michael Russell said: “It is especially important that at a time like this, support is given to ensure training continues. Scotland has been a world leader in design, engineering and traditional skills for generations and these grants and bursaries will give people the opportunity to learn the skills to maintain and conserve our outstanding architectural landscape.”